“Obviously”—he shuddered—“someone forgot to lock them in, and they escaped.”
“Oh dear.” She fought to force down the burble of laughter. “I never thought to hear you say anything like that.”
“I’ve never been chased quite as diligently as I was last night.” Kit gave her a rueful smile. “One young lady even attempted to follow me to the gentlemen’s retiring room. It’s enough to put one off the Season.” Fortunately, they didn’t have to wait long for the curricle to be brought around. “I have much more sympathy for my friends who’ve had ladies set their caps at them.” Once they were seated on the bench, his brow furrowed as he threaded the ribbons through his fingers. “I can’t imagine how hard it’s been for you, dodging your cousin.”
Surprisingly, Mary hadn’t thought about Gawain in several days. “I’m glad that appears to be over.”
Whatwasbothering her was the thought that some female might manage to compromise Kit just as they seemed to becoming closer. She straightened her shoulders. Obviously it fell to her to protect him. Yet how to do that when they were both expected to dance and spend time with others?
Rose Hill, Northumberland, England
Eunice held a cup of tea in her hands as she gazed at the handsome countenance of her husband. They had been married just over a week. “When do you wish to move into our own home?”
Brian looked up from his plate. “As soon as you have everything the way you want it.” His eyes sparkled wickedly. “It’s the bathing tub that’s calling to you, is it not?”
“Naturally, what else could it be? Although I believe a vessel that extravagant should have a grander name.”
His lips twitched. “Perhaps we should call it Venus’s pool.”
She met his smile with one of her own. “Seriously though, the staff has been hired, and all the changes we discussed are completed. I had thought to wait until my mother arrived, but we can easily have them directed to our home.”
That was wonderful to be able to say. The house she’d lived in with Roger had been part of his father’s estate, and not theirs. Yesterday she and Brian had visited the solicitor, and Brian had ensured that if he predeceased her, she would receive the house and a generous income for the rest of her life.
“To-morrow then?”
She nodded. “I’ll send word to-day and have most of our trunks taken over.”
“When,” he asked, “will the rest of your things arrive?”
“There is not that much, but I expect them in a week or so. I’ve received letters from my children. I imagine some of them will find an excuse to visit.”
“Ah yes. They’ll want to inspect me. We could always invite them.”
She shook her head. “No, I’m going to have too much fun listening to the reasons they come up with to visit.”
“You’re a wicked woman,” he said in a fond tone as he finished the last of his breakfast. He rose, then kissed her. “I must be off to the church. By the by, don’t forget you’re now in charge of the schedule for the altar flowers, and head of the Committee for the Betterment of the Poor of Our Community.”
And, she was sure, anything else that could be given to her as well. Strangely, she was looking forward to all of it. “I know. I put the meetings off until next week.”
He raised his brows. “Still hoping your mother will show up soon?”
“She is close. I can feel it in my bones. I just wish I knew what was going on with Kit and Mary.”
“Well, that makes two of us.” He kissed her again. This time instead of a peck on her cheek, he lifted her into his arms, tilted his head and plundered.
Her blood heated as his hand cupped her breast, and she wanted nothing more than to drag him back to bed. Suddenly, he broke the kiss. “There, that should keep you until this evening.”
“You . . . I can’t believe . . .” Before she could get out a coherent sentence, he patted her derrière and left the room, laughing.
Oooh, two could play at that game. He’d be very sorry he had left her wanting.
Later that day, as Eunice was changing for dinner and planning her revenge on her husband, the sounds of coaches and stamping horses drifted from the front of the house. “My love, we have company.”
He strode out from the dressing room he’d been using. “Sounds likeacompany, if not a battalion. You stay here. I’ll find out who it is.”
“I’ll come.” She fastened her earring. “It may be Mama. She is long overdue, and I’ve begun to worry a little.”
They reached the bottom of the main staircase as Simons opened the door. One footman in Bridgewater livery handed out the Dowager Lady Featherton, while another supported Mama.
